Chelsea will submit a January bid for Marco Reus, despite the winger being ruled out until 2015 through injury.
The German international has been strongly linked with a move away from Borussia Dortmund in recent seasons and looked poised to make a summer switch to either Manchester United or Barcelona.
Premier League champions Manchester City and Arsenal have held interest in Reus, however, it is now understood that Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has joined the race.
The Portuguese tactician has now approached Dortmund and is ready to submit a bid in January, despite the winger being injured.
Reus will be out until January after tearing ligaments in his right ankle during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Paderborn.
Reus tweeted: “I’ll be back again! Thanks for all your lovely messages wishing me to get better soon.”